Only RAIN down the Storm Drain... DRAFT Guidelines for Manually Diverting Outdoor Wastewater to the Sanitary Sewer This publication applies to you if: You generate wastewater outdoors, and The wastewater generated: Is in quantities of less than 310 gallons per day Is NOT a hazardous waste Doesn t contain solids or significant amounts of oil/grease Would not cause harm (including blockage, overflow, or interruption) to the sewer system October 2009 County of Sacramento Page 1
If It Isn t Rain, Keep It Out of the Storm Drain! Sacramento County and all incorporated cities within the county have local stormwater ordinances in place to prevent pollution of local waterways. The storm drain system flows directly to local creeks and rivers. Chemicals, dirt, detergents, oil/grease, and heavy metals are common pollutants in wastewater that can harm aquatic life, contaminate our drinking water sources and impair our enjoyment of our recreational waterways. It is a violation of local stormwater ordinances to: discharge wastewater of any kind into the storm drain system, or manage wastewater discharge in a way that results in the potential for pollutant discharges to the storm drain system. This includes potential future pollutant discharges that may occur when it rains or upon contact with irrigation run-off. For example, wastewater that dries on pavement doesn t create an immediate discharge, but will likely result in dried-on pollutants being washed into the storm drain system by a future rain event. Wastewater and Pollutant Discharges to the Storm Drain System Are Prohibited! Wastewater discharges to the storm drain system violate federal, state and local laws and may pollute local creeks and rivers. Wastewater includes any water that has been used for washing or cleaning and its associated waste products, regardless of whether or not detergents or other chemicals are used in the process. Wastewater must be managed and disposed of properly to prevent adverse environmental impacts. Common wastewater generating activities that can harm our waterways include: surface and pavement cleaning, vehicle washing, equipment cleaning, Building, HVAC, and rooftop cleaning activities. If your business performs these activities, or others that have the potential to result in wastewater discharges to the storm drain system, you must modify your procedures to fully contain and dispose of your wastewater in order to comply with local stormwater ordinances. Page 2
What Is The Storm Drain System? The storm drain system: is the outdoor network of drains, pipes, swales, ditches, channels, creeks and streams that carries stormwater from urban areas directly to local creeks and rivers, is NOT treated in any way to remove any pollutants, includes paved surfaces such as streets, sidewalks, and gutters. Pollutants discharged into the storm drain system, or picked up by flowing stormwater, are taken directly to our creeks and rivers! The Storm Drain & Sanitary Sewer Systems Are Different! The storm drain system is often confused with the sanitary sewer system. the same! However, these systems are NOT The sanitary sewer system conveys wastewater from indoor facilities and operations (like sinks, toilets, washing machines, carwash facilities) to a sewage treatment plant where the wastewater is disinfected to ensure public safety before being released to the environment. The sanitary sewer system is operated by the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (SRCSD), which is responsible for wastewater acceptance, treatment, and the regional piping system (large pipes) and various local collection system agencies, like the Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD), that oversee wastewater transport as it makes its way to the regional collection system. The storm drain system conveys excess stormwater and irrigation water from neighborhoods and streets to nearby creeks, rivers and other drainage areas to prevent flooding. As a result, it is important to keep pollutants, including all types of wastewater, from discharging into the storm drain system and from accumulating on surfaces that are exposed to rainfall. Virtually all outdoor drains in streets, parking lots, and elsewhere are storm drains which may not be used for wastewater disposal! Page 3
Proper Management of Your Wastewater Since wastewater must not be discharged into the storm drain system, it is necessary to appropriately manage wastewater for proper disposal. Proper management of wastewater includes: Assessing and planning ahead to correctly manage wastewater before beginning work, Determining compliant means for disposing of wastewater, Obtaining authorizations/permits necessary to dispose of wastewater, Containing and collecting wastewater adequately, and Properly disposing of wastewater. The table below summarizes the basic steps involved in properly managing wastewater generated outdoors: Checklist For Properly Managing Wastewater Generated Outdoors Step What To Do 1. Determine if wastewater is generally accepted for manual discharge to the sanitary sewer. The general acceptance conditions are wastewater from routine exterior vehicle washing, surface cleaning, food service related cleaning; quantity is less than 310 gallons per day; and wastewater meets the local sewer utility s conditions). Caution: If your discharge doesn t meet these conditions, contact your local sewer provider for sewer acceptance. You should contact your sewer provider if your wastewater is other than vehicle washing/surface/food related, has unusual characteristics (significant oil/grease, acidic, corrosive, solids), or if you exceed the 310 gallons per day quantity threshold. In these cases, you may be required to obtain a special discharge permit, or to dispose of the wastewater as hazardous waste or by other compliant disposal means according to the nature of the wastewater. 2. Identify all storm drains and points where wastewater from your activities could enter the storm drain system. 3. Establish a temporary collection area using appropriate containment measures (where not in a pre-existing dedicated collection area like a permanently constructed washpad). 4. Block and/or protect storm drains that could be potentially impacted by your activities. 5. Evaluate collected wastewater for appropriate means of disposal: Manually discharge to sanitary sewer only if authorized to do so (see Step 1 above). If it has hazardous components or characteristics, dispose of it as a hazardous waste or as otherwise indicated by regulatory agencies. If removing surface oil sheen/residue with absorbent pads, dispose of pads as hazardous waste. Page 4
Proper Disposal of Your Wastewater Wastewater from outdoor activities must not be discharged into the storm drain system. Similarly, wastewater generated indoors may not be allowed to travel outdoors where it may enter the storm drain system. Business operators are responsible for ensuring that their wastewater is managed and disposed of properly. This table summarizes viable and compliant disposal options: Summary of Wastewater Disposal Options Disposal Method General Conditions for Use... Requirements of Use... Discharge to soil or landscaped area Requires property owner's approval Cannot create nuisance conditions Wastewater cannot be hazardous waste or contain food, garbage or hazardous waste Must have adequate landscape surface area to absorb all water without creating any overflow Re-direction to the sanitary sewer by manual discharge through an existing approved access point Requires property owner s permission Wastewater cannot be hazardous or flammable and cannot contain heavy metals, solids or significant amounts of oil/grease ph must be between 5.0 12.4 Wastewater may not cause damage to pipes, workers or the treatment plant Pre-treatment may be required before discharging wastewater Must otherwise meet all conditions of the local sewer provider s use ordinance Pre-approval may be required consult with your sewer provider Must: Contain and capture wastewater to prevent discharge to environment Perform any pre-treatment required by sewer provider Discharge less than 310 gallons per day (in SRCSD jurisdiction) Use an approved access point (existing floor drain, utility sink, toilet or private sewer cleanout) following disposal precautions further described later in this publication Disposal as a hazardous waste Required whenever waste is classified as state or federal hazardous waste (is ignitable, reactive, corrosive or toxic) Must use a licensed hazardous waste hauler Disposal through a permitted liquid waste hauling company Permitted company hauls wastewater (generally paint wash water, concrete wash water and stormwater contaminated with non-hazardous waste) to a treatment site before discharging to the sewer under specific permit Waste management company must be permitted by the sewer provider to manage the waste Page 5
Containing and Collecting Wastewater There are many acceptable possibilities for effectively containing and collecting wastewater as described below. Containment designs can be portable in nature or may be more permanently affixed. It is important to note, however, that any permanent structural improvements, including those with plumbing or electrical components, will likely require local building department approval prior to installation. CONTAINMENT: Examples & Description of Acceptable Containment Options Vacuum booms: Portable vacuum device with an attached hose boom that creates a portable containment barrier and also serves as the point of collection by suctioning up the wastewater. Temporary berms: Portable devices that create a protective barrier and prevent wastewater drainage to the storm drain. Wastewater will pool around the berm for collection and disposal. Must be constantly monitored for effectiveness. Permanent berms: Permanent curbs or berms that create a dedicated area used specifically for wastewater containment and collection. One common workable variation are drive-over speed bump type berms that provide a vehicle washing and wastewater containment area. The area should be covered to prevent rainwater entry or must have a controlled means for allowing true rainwater drainage, such as a manual drain valve. Uncovered bermed areas must be cleaned when rain is forecasted. Containment pools & washpads: Roll-out or inflatable portable pool devices that create a temporary and movable work area that collects wastewater. Portable ramps are generally used to move vehicles in and out of containment area. Storm drain covers & mats: Covers or mats that cover and seal the storm drain allowing water collection. Inflatable pipe plugs: Inflatable plugs that are inserted into the actual pipe exiting a storm drain inlet. The wastewater collects in the storm drain inlet and can be pumped out for proper disposal. These plugs can only be used on private property. Page 6
Containing and Collecting Wastewater, continued COLLECTION: Examples & Description of Acceptable Collection Options Wet/dry vacuums: Portable vacuum collection unit that suctions up wastewater for manual discharge. Some offer an exhaust feature that will reverse pump the water out for easier disposal. Pump & Hose: A small submersible sump pump or manual pump can used to transport water from a containment area to a discharge point as long as the use is attended and temporary (put away daily). Re-directing Wastewater to the Sewer by Manual Discharge Re-direction of wastewater to the sanitary sewer system by manual discharge involves containing and collecting generated wastewater and then dumping or otherwise transferring it from its location of generation into the sanitary sewer system through an approved access point. It may include: Dumping buckets of collected wastewater by hand, Transfer of wastewater from an adequate collection area through a temporary hose set-up (put away daily) to an approved sanitary sewer access point, Use of a pump to aid in the transfer process (with limitations noted in the Precautions for Manual Discharge to the Sanitary Sewer section of this document). Accessing the Sanitary Sewer for Manual Discharge Access to the sanitary sewer for manual discharge should be made through one of these means (listed below in preferred order): an existing drain, such as a floor drain or mop sink, that has appropriate trapping and venting, a utility sink or other sink (excluding food preparation sinks), a toilet (no pumping aid allowed), or a private sanitary sewer cleanout. (no permission is granted allowing access to any public sanitary sewer cleanout). Page 7
Precautions for Manual Discharge to the Sanitary Sewer You must follow these precautions when manually discharging wastewater to the sewer system: Access Point Specific Precautions/Limitations All Actively supervise the point of discharge at all times. Make every effort to avoid spills during discharge and be prepared to immediately and properly contain, collect, and dispose of any spills that do occur. Utility or other sink Cannot discharge to a food preparation sink. Toilet Gravity discharge only cannot use a pump to aid with wastewater transfer. Private Sanitary Sewer Cleanout The sanitary sewer cleanout must be privately owned. Handle the access with care to avoid contact with sewage (which may pose health risks). Passive discharge (by gravity) to the cleanout is preferred. If a pump is used, there must be an air gap or air space provided and the flow rate cannot exceed 5 gallons per minute. Immediately replace the cleanout cap when not actively discharging. Need More Information? Contact This Agency... Function... Contact Information BERC (Business Environmental Resource Center) Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership Sacramento County Environmental Management Department Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD) Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (SRCSD) Permit Services SRCSD Wastewater Source Control Section Free and confidential compliance assistance from a non-regulatory organization Its members implement stormwater permits/ordinances to eliminate non-stormwater and other pollutant discharges to the storm drain system and local waterways Conducts commercial and industrial stormwater compliance inspections at specific types of businesses (see EMD web site for more information) Local sewer collection agency that addresses wastewater acceptance issues and maintains the smaller pipes in the sewer collection system for the unincorporated area, the cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove & Rancho Cordova and some parts of the cities of Folsom and Sacramento Addresses wastewater acceptance issues, maintains largest pipes in sewer collection system and runs the regional sewage treatment plant Administers Sewer Use Questionnaire, surface cleaner permits, industrial wastewater acceptance and pretreatment requirements (916) 649-0225 http://www.sacberc.org (916) 808-4H2O http://www.sacramentostormwater.org (916) 875-8400 http://www.emd.saccounty.net/ (916) 876-6100 http://www.sacsewer.com/ (916) 876-6100 http://www.srcsd.com/ (916) 875-6470 http://www.srcsd.com/wscs.php Wastewater Agencies for Incorporated Cities Managing Their Own Sanitary Sewer Systems City of Folsom Department of Utilities (916) 355-7272 City of Galt Public Works Department (209) 366-7260 City of Sacramento Department of Utilities (916) 264-5011 Page 8